A critical player shortage has forced the last-minute postponement of Canberra United's highly anticipated A-League Women clash against Sydney FC, throwing the competition's fifth round into disarray.
Match Called Off Days Before Kick-Off
The decision to reschedule the fixture was confirmed late on Wednesday afternoon, just days before the teams were set to meet at McKellar Park on Saturday. Both clubs announced the postponement via their social media channels, citing an escalating player availability crisis.
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL), which operates the A-League Women competition, revealed that the postponement request came from visiting team Sydney FC. The club is grappling with a significant number of players absent due to international duty and injuries.
International Duty Depletes Squads
Sydney FC currently has seven players unavailable, far exceeding the APL's policy threshold which allows for rescheduling if four or more players are called up for international duty. While Canberra United also faces its own challenges with three key players on international duty, including skipper Michelle Heyman with the Matildas, Liz Anton with New Zealand, and Tegan Bertolissio with the Young Matildas, their situation did not meet the league's rescheduling criteria on its own.
Despite this, Canberra United agreed to the reschedule in a show of solidarity and recognition of the visitor's more severe predicament. The APL has been liaising with both clubs over the past week as the situation developed, with Sydney FC's request formalised following further assessment of player injuries from the weekend and confirmation of an additional international call-up.
Rescheduling Challenges and Broader Impact
Both clubs are now scrambling to find a new date for the match within the crowded A-League calendar. Canberra United confirmed they are working with the APL, Sydney FC, and relevant partners to lock in a new time, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
This postponement is part of a broader pattern affecting the league this round, with three other A-League Women matches also being rescheduled earlier due to international call-ups. This leaves Melbourne Victory's home game against Perth Glory on Sunday as the only fixture proceeding as originally planned this weekend.
APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy addressed the situation, stating, "While we never like moving fixtures at late notice, it's fantastic to see more and more players from our league being called up to national teams and junior training camps, including Young Matildas, as our stars continue to make an impression on the international stage."
The postponement comes as a particular disappointment for Canberra United, who were eyeing their first back-to-back victory this season following an impressive 3-nil win at home last weekend. The team's next scheduled match is now an away fixture against Melbourne Victory next Friday night.
Questions remain about ticket refunds for patrons who had purchased entry to the postponed match. Both Canberra United and Capital Football were contacted for comment on refund procedures but had not responded at the time of publication.
